Plowing With His Heifer

The men of the town said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, "What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?" And he said to them, "If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle." Then the spirit of the Lord rushed on him, and he went down to Ashkelon. He killed thirty men of the town, took their spoil, and gave the festal garments to those who had explained the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father's house. And Samson's wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man. Judges 14: 18-20 NRSV

I have this mental picture of Samson showing up with thirty garments all covered in dried blood. I can almost picture what his face looked like - stormy and red with cold eyes.

Samson is used to manipulating his family to get what he wants. Now he meets his match in the women of his enemy. But Samson has the last laugh: he ends up murdering their own people and getting rid of a woman who betrayed him. I am not sure his best man was overwhelmed or overjoyed with such a gift.

What we have to remember is that God has a special purpose for Samson, even when he seems like the most self-centered and self-absorbed character. God wants to save God's people from the enemy, the Philistines. And Samson is God's means of saving them.

Despite your own misgivings, God has a special purpose for you, too.

God, reveal your purpose for our lives to us this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: What is God revealing to you?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Here's Your Sign

Then he said to him, "If now I have found favor with you, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. Do not depart from here until I come to you, and bring out my present and set it before you." And he said, "I will stay until you return." Judges 6: 17-18 NRSV

Gideon, Gideon, always looking for a sign and needing confirmation or affirmation that God really is who God says and will do what God says God will do.

I mean, just what does Gideon need for proof?

Gideon is saying, "Well, God, I need you to show me a sign besides sending your own angel to come and speak with me about this. I need further proof that it is really you and that you are really with me and you really see me as a mighty warrior."

For Gideon, being visited by the angel of the Lord is not enough. He needs more.

How often does God have to show up through other people in our lives for us to know how much God really loves us?

Do we need more than these seeming coincidences happening all around us as proof that God has a purpose for us?

What more do we need in order to respond: "Yes, God, I will do as you ask me to do."

God, you have sent your messenger, told us of your love, and give us a task. Please remove from us our stubbornness and unbelief. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: What sign from God do I think I need today?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims